Leigh Best

Following a young family member’s recovery from an Eating Disorder, Leigh founded a Social Enterprise, Talking Eating Disorders (TEDS) 17 years ago, without any external funding. Her mission at the time was simply to help and support people, and so the first self- help support group for families and sufferers was launched. This unique service works tirelessly to provide hope and support to any family affected by Eating Disorders. More recently, TEDS has expanded, and with the help of Tina Marsh, who also has personal experience of a loved one suffering from an Eating Disorder, Wirral TEDS was launched in 2014. Working in partnership with NHS staff, and using the specialist training that she had received in The New Maudsley Method, Leigh also facilitated the very first ever family support group at the Rathbone Clinic, Liverpool, and this service has continued to run ever since with NHS staff.

Many people do not engage in NHS services, are waiting on a long list for treatment , or are discharged when still unwell, so Leigh launched the only Eating Disorder help line in the North West, sharing her knowledge, and offering advice and guidance to anyone in ongoing need. She runs this helpline to this day, supporting many desperate families in need. This led to the development of a Recovery Coaching Service for sufferers, and a peer befriending service for families, offering help and support when needed.

Leigh also passionately believes in early intervention and prevention, and she has used her expertise in this field to develop and deliver workshops in schools, and attend Health Promotion events at Colleges, and Universities throughout the North West. She also developed the HOPE Programme to offer further support to families, and Create Your Happiness workshops for sufferers.

She launched the first ever Eating Disorders Conference in 2009. Professor Janet Treasure O.B.E and Professor Simon Gowers were key note speakers at this groundbreaking event. This important Health Conference is now in its 8th year, and is a must for anyone interested in the field of Eating Disorders.

Leigh has received several awards from B- EAT in recognition for her contribution to the world of Eating Disorders. More recently, she was nominated for Merseyside‘s Woman Of The Year, and was thrilled to receive a “Listen To Me “Award in 2016 for her work as a Foster Carer.